Home to over 90 miles of UK coastline, Norfolk is the perfect spot to explore sandy beaches, shingle spits or salt marsh land. Whether you want to witness the beautiful cliff top views, or dip your toes and paddle along the shoreline, this blog will point you in the right direction!

Cley beach

Nestled between the beautiful Cley Marshes and the ocean lies Cley beach, a sure spot for your Blakeney itinerary. The beautiful stretch of dog-friendly, pebble beach borders saline pools and lagoons, grazing marshes and reed beds, which are all part of the Cley Marshes Nature Reserve. The reserve is one of the UK’s most renowned bird-watching locations and you can expect to see the seasonal birdlife that includes Snow Buntings, Nightingales and Avocets in all their glory.

Cley beach is around one mile away from Blakeney point, making this the perfect place to start your trip (with parking readily available). Make sure to time your visit at low tide, so as you’re passing you’ll see the SS Vera cargo ship wreck – a popular diving point. 

Whilst the ocean views offer a serene location for your summer BBQ, the steep drop off beach is a popular spot for angling and other activities. So cast a line and lose yourself in the blue waters or relax as you watch the fishermen in action.

 

Overstrand beach

On a lovely sunny day, it’s hard to believe that you’re actually here in the UK, in the heart of Norfolk, when you take a visit to Overstrand Beach. With its turquoise waters and golden sands stretching along miles of Norfolk coastline, this might have to be our number one beach close to Blakeney Manor. 

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Cromer beach (that we’ll come to next), Overstrand beach is the perfect spot to paddle in the waters, build sandcastles or lay down and switch off from the world. Take a cliff top stroll from here to Trimingham, which is renowned as one of the most picturesque walks along the Norfolk coastline. 

Overstrand village has all amenities you could need, but on a much smaller scale, keeping that peaceful, serene setting we know you’re longing for from your Norfolk visit.

 

Sheringham beach

Sheringham beach is a must on our top five beaches close to Blakeney, just 8.5 miles away, with its blue flag status and sandy shores. In low tide you’ll be able to observe the miniature marine life in the rockpools or sunbathe and take in the ocean breeze. The low tide reveals the sandy shores, but in high tide it will be a little rockier. 

The promenade offers a relaxing stroll, overlooking the traditional beach huts and fishing boats you’ll find docked on the shore, and will lead you to the different restaurants and cafes situated in this small seaside town. 

Dogs are welcome but make sure to check the relevant websites as there are some restrictions in the summer months. You’ll also find details of the multiple car parks nearby, making this a stress free and relaxing day trip location.

 

Cromer beach

Naturally, Cromer Beach is typically the first choice for a holiday-maker’s visit to Norfolk, with the abundance of attractions and sandy shoreline. Only 12.2 miles away from Blakeney, this is a must have spot on your Norfolk get away list. 

Stroll through the town and take in the Victorian style buildings and take in those stunning cliff top views where you’ll spot the pier, colourful beach huts and vast stretches of shoreline that Cromer Beach has to offer. 

Whilst you can sit and relax, taking in the Norfolk coastline and rolling green cliffs, there are activities in abundance here. So pick up a pack of bacon, a line, and a net, and spend your day crabbing, or hire a paddle board and dive straight in. 

 

East & West Runton Beaches

Just 10.6 miles away from Blakeney is the West Runton beach – which is a little quieter than the Sheringham and Cley beaches. The views here are panoramic and undisturbed, with sandstone cliffs behind you that back onto the Norfolk countryside. The panoramic views extend all the way to the East Runton Beach which is also just 11.4 miles away from Blakeney – just on our doorstep. 

From East Runton beach you can catch a view of Cromers Pier, or the rolling green countryside behind you, just like you’ll find at Runton West. Both Runton beaches offer the ultimate relaxing location for you to settle down on the sandy shore and watch the sun go down over the North sea. 

Home to the largest chalk reef in Europe, you’ll be able to watch the surfers and divers here as they explore the nature the reef has to offer. Or explore the various rock pools yourself and see what marine life you spot on your Norfolk holiday.

 

With over 90 miles of coastline to explore across Norfolk, we know we’ve only touched on some of the best beaches close to Blakeney Manor but if you’re feeling inspired, then make sure to book your stay at Blakeney Manor – the perfect  luxury retreat to end a day exploring the Norfolk Coastline. 

Browse our offers or check availability and book your stay here.